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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting Egypt in January
Egypt is pleasantly warm throughout January, with an average daytime temperature of around 22°C (72°F), plenty of bright sunshine and almost no rain. This makes it a more comfortable time to go sightseeing, particularly if you are accustomed to cooler climates yet still seek the sun.
Luxor, meaning ‘the palaces’ in Arabic, has often been described as the world's greatest open-air museum with its unparalleled archaeological heritage. It has been attracting visitors since time immemorial with the splendour of its monuments, temples and tombs, including the unmissable Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.
Visiting Egypt in February
Egypt’s milder winter weather continues into February with slightly warmer highs of up to 24°C (75.2°F).
January to May are the ideal months to cruise down the majestic River Nile and make the wonders of Ancient Egypt come alive. Drift past tombs, colossal statues, wildlife and farmlands that line the banks of the river, all with the expert tutelage of an Egyptologist then sip a cocktail on the deck as you watch the sun dip beneath the horizon.
Visiting Egypt in March
March brings with it average daytime temperatures of 29°C (84.2F) and around 10 hours of sunshine a day, offering plenty of time to steep yourself in the ancient history of the ‘Land of the Pharaohs’, from Giza’s monumental pyramids to Luxor’s colossal Valley of the Kings.
Egyptians of all faiths celebrate Sham al-Naseem (meaning “sniffing the breeze”) on 21 March, marking the coming of spring with picnics along the banks of Nile or in parks enjoying traditional dishes of ful medames, fesikh and aish, while dancers and musicians fill the bustling streets.
Visiting Egypt in April
Enjoy open waters along the mighty Nile and space to stroll through ancient temples and tombs in Luxor and Aswan before Egypt starts to warm up. At this time of year, you could see khamsin, hot spring winds that are a phenomenon of Egypt’s climate.
Experience the old-world elegance of Agatha Christie’s Nile by sailing the iconic river in a dahabiya. Travel in modern luxury as the Egyptian monarchs and aristocrats before you board the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau. Blending old-world elegance with modern comforts, you’ll feel thoroughly spoiled on your voyage. With just six cabins, its ideal for a sophisticated group or family trip.
Visiting Egypt in May
At this time of year, you can expect long days with up to 14 hours of sunshine. This allows you time to make the most of the sights from the bustling bazaars of Cairo to felucca rides on the Nile. The temperature reaches a high of 32 degrees Celsius at the height of the day and drops to 18 degrees Celsius at night.
Many Egyptians escape the rising balmy heat by migrating to Alexandria, known as ‘The Pearl of the Mediterranean’. Here you’ll discover Egypt’s second largest city. Its status as a beacon of culture is symbolised by the legendary Pharos lighthouse — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Visiting Egypt in June
Expect 40°C (104F) daytime maximum temperatures in the shade in June, with on average 12 hours of sunshine each day.
This month, Egyptians celebrate the yearly rise of the Nile during the Leylet en Nuktah festival. In ancient times, beautiful women were said to be sacrificed to appease the gods and bring on the flooding that feeds the delta’s rich soil. The modern celebrations are less visceral and instead see riverbank picnics and street celebrations with family and friends. Women put out balls of dough at sunset representing the people in the house and study the cracks in the morning to make fortune predictions.
Visiting Egypt in July
As the dry and scorching weather continues, escape to the coast where the enchanting underwater world of the Red Sea awaits you. Once an important part of the spice trade route, the ancient ports of Egypt’s Red Sea are now better known for some of the best diving and fishing in the world. The region’s consistent sunshine, white-sand beaches and pristine coral reefs make it popular with scuba divers and sun-worshippers alike. Thermal winds that once sped clippers to the east now bring thousands of migrating birds to its shores making it a natural paradise for bird-watchers.
Visiting Egypt in August
The south and deserts are ferociously hot inland during August, so it’s worth seeking shade during the day and exploring the sights in the early morning and evening.
Once known as a spice route, Egypt’s Red Sea is now famous for some of the best diving and fishing in the world with its sunshine, white-sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. A living spectacle of vibrant corals and exotic fish, the coast is paradise for naturalists and sun-worshippers alike with plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach or retreat to the cooling canopy of the mangrove lagoons.
Visiting Egypt in September
The high season heat begins to wane in September with more pleasant daytime temperatures of around 38°C (100.4F).
Explore the Great Pyramids and buzzing 24-hour Cairo, which has been a shopper’s paradise for more than a thousand years. A vibrant metropolis, the city is home to ancient monuments and antiquities alongside the cacophony of modern daily life. Visit the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, unchanged since the 14th-century to discover spices, perfumes, ceramics and mashrabiya. Wander through the Wekala al-Balaq street market renowned for Egyptian cotton and take a fascinating diversion to the Camel market. A destination that truly confounds the senses and enriches the mind.
Visiting Egypt in October
As the temperatures cool to daytime averages of 34°C, October is the ideal time to uncover the romance of the Egyptian desert, with its rich blend of historical and cultural experiences.
Make your journey through the desert extra special and be guided through this unique landscape by native Bedouins, who will introduce you to nomadic culture and show you how to travel the desert in Arabian style. By day you can drift with your camel across the dunes and in the evening, gather around the fire for herbal tea and traditional stories.
Visiting Egypt in November
Temperatures continues to cool significantly as Egypt enters its usual mild winter.
No visit to Egypt would be complete without a visit the Museum of Antiquities, with its treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun and famed Mummy Room. Wander the labyrinthine streets of Cairo’s Old City where this month many Egyptians will be preparing for Mawlid al-Nabi, marking the birth of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. The streets are decorated with lamps and silk cloths creating a riot of colour. Tents are erected for Sufi chants and singing about the prophet’s life story and sweet treats are handed out to children.
Visiting Egypt in December
It may be winter in Egypt, but you can still expect a pleasant 24°C (75.2F) with little or no rainfall at this time of year.
Once the source of ancient Egypt’s finest granite used to build the empire’s many monuments, Aswan is a small, bustling market town, the vibe of which is almost African. It’s the perfect spot for exploring the splendour of the fascinating ruins, a little haggling in the souk or simply watching daily life unfold on the Nile. We also recommend booking an excursion by plane to Abu Simbel; the intriguing temple complex cut from the solid rockface during the reign of Ramesses II.
